Tech Tip: Disable IE's downloading capability

Do you support Windows XP users who insist on downloading files from the Web via Internet Explorer--regardless of what you tell them? If so, you'll be glad to know that you can disable Internet Explorer's ability to download files by tweaking the Security settings.

To disable IE's downloading capability, follow these steps:

1. Launch Internet Explorer.
2. From the Tools menu, select Internet Options.
3. On the Security tab, select the Internet Web content zone (if it isn't already selected), and click the Custom Level button.
4. Scroll through the Settings list box, and locate the Downloads heading.
5. Under File Download, select the Disable radio button.
6. Click OK twice.

The next time the user attempts to download a file, Internet Explorer will display a warning message stating that the current security settings do not allow the downloading of files.